No need for a freezing drive over the hill to enjoy a night out at the movies! The July movie programme at the Old School has something for everyone. Following 2 sell-out showings of the extreme sports feature Last Paradise on the 2nd, the next films will show as part of the regular 3rd weekend of the month programme.

Babies’ on Friday 15 July is something different but truly stunning. Award winning filmmaker Thomas Balmes follows four babies from completely different cultures and social backgrounds, from first breath to first steps. Apart from the obvious charm of the small protagonists, this film will make you think hard about what makes for ‘a good place to bring up children.’

Barney’s Version’, the main feature for the weekend, describes the touching story of the politically incorrect but fully lived life of the impulsive, irascible and fearlessly blunt Barney Panotovsky. This tale of Jewish Montreal starring Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman has been described as “an unexpectedly endearing delight”. Showing on the afternoons of Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th at 4.30pm, also at the special ‘meal-and-movie’ deal on the Saturday evening at 7.30 with a delicious curry from Namaste kitchen. All movies can be booked ahead by calling the Old School on 825 0023, especially if you want to book for the evening meal.

This month there is still more to come, with the Matariki Maori Film Festival the following weekend — Saturday 23 July – with 5 short films, sessions at 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Films are Bella Kalolo’s ‘See what love can do’, ‘The Winter Boy’ from Rachel House, Katie Wolfe’s ‘Redemption’, Leo Woodhead’s ‘Zero’ and Sam Peacocke’s ‘Manurewa’. (Two of these films contain adult content so are not suited for general audiences.)

More about the Matariki festival closer to the time.